Botswana travel guide
Simply, Botswana is one of Africa's - if not the world's - greatest wildlife destinations. Find pristine wilderness, animals galore and fascinating Bushmen culture
The southern African country of Botswana is a combination of desert, delta and diamond mines. Standing head and shoulders above many of its neighbours, it is one of the wealthiest and most stable countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and has all the ingredients of a fantasy safari: abundant wildlife, blood red sunsets and enough wide open spaces to bring an agoraphobic out in a hot sweat.
Here you can get your fill of the Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant, black rhino and buffalo - and sneak a peek at slinky cheetahs, elephants, meerkats, hippos, Nile crocodiles and rag-tag packs of wild dogs.
Botswana can be pricey and hard to get around but, thanks to some admirable responsible tourism practices, you can experience ancient rock art, captivating boat trips and prime game viewing minus the crowds.
Wanderlust recommends
- Glide down the crocodile and hippo infested Okavango Delta on an unforgettable boat trip.
- Head off road in a four-wheel-drive to explore the mighty Kalahari Game Reserve, which covers about 70% of Botswana.
- Be amazed by ancient rock art in the spiritual Tsodilo Hills.
- Spot reams of bus-sized elephants and the Big Five on safari in Chobe National Park.
- Witness the annual spectacle of thousands of zebras and wildebeest making their way through Makgadikgadi Pans and Nxai Pans National Park.
Wanderlust tips
Watch your step and wear long trousers, socks and shoes or boots if tramping through undergrowth as 12 species of venomous snake call Botswana home.
Carry ID at all times. Pack a torch. Check that your insurance covers the cost of medical evacuation.